The California Supreme Court yesterday declined to hear an appeal of a $US290 million personal injury against Ford stemming from the death of three people in 1993 when their Bronco sport utility rolled over, Reuters reported.

The court, in a four-to-three decision, decided not to hear the case, Ford spokeswoman Kathleen Vokes told Reuters.

“This is an extreme and unconstitutional punitive damage award and we will ask the US Supreme Court to overturn it,” she added, according to Reuters.

Reuters said that the plaintiffs in the case had argued that the Bronco was prone to roll over and had a weak, poorly designed roof that Ford knew could fail.

Ford officials had denied the rollover allegations and said the removable, fibreglass roof panel on the Bronco exceeded federal safety standards at the time the vehicle was made, Reuters said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.